Trump, King Charles praise 'special relationship' between US and UK

LONDON

Britain's King Charles and US President Donald Trump hailed the special relationship between their countries during speeches Wednesday at a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

Charles opened his speech by expressing his pleasure in welcoming Trump to Windsor Castle on his historic second state visit to the UK.

Highlighting the "unique and important occasion," which reflects the enduring bond between their two nations, he said the ties are "anchored by the deep friendship between our people."

Charles recalled that next year will mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, noting it is "remarkable to think just how far we have come."

"We celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither (first US President George) Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined," he added.

Turning to defense and security ties, he said: "Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace."

Charles also praised Trump's "personal commitment to finding solutions" to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts in order to secure peace.

- 'Irreplaceable and unbreakable' ties

Trump said it had been a "singular privilege" for him to become the first American president to be invited to the UK for a second state visit, praising Charles’ "dedication to preserving the glorious and unique character of this kingdom."

"Melania and I are delighted to visit with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine. So radiant, so healthy and so beautiful. It's really a great honor," he added.

In March 2024, amid swirling rumors over doctored photos and a lack of public appearances, the 42-year-old Princess of Wales announced that she was receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In June, she returned to the public eye for the first time since her diagnosis.

Princess Catherine said in a video posted in September 2024 that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and now her focus was "to stay cancer free."

On the relationship between the two countries, Trump said “we’re like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same prose."

"Each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It's irreplaceable and unbreakable," he noted.

"The word ‘special’ does not begin to do it justice," he added.

Among the guests in attendance at the state banquet were UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Apple CEO Tim Cook, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

- Unprecedented visit amid protests

Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived in London late Tuesday.

The visit, which came after an invitation extended by King Charles in February during Starmer's visit to Washington, has been dubbed "historic" and "unprecedented" as Trump became the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch.

Earlier Wednesday, thousands of people in London staged a rally to protest the US president while chanting pro-Palestine slogans in solidarity with the Gaza Strip.

Protesters gathered at Portland Place upon a call by the Stop Trump Coalition to oppose Trump's state visit to the UK and his policies on immigration, climate change and particularly his stance on Gaza.

On Tuesday, a protest was held to oppose his visit in a rally organized by the group Led by Donkeys.

Activists from the group projected images of Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto the walls of Windsor Castle. The group also unfurled a large banner with a similar image near the castle.

Before concluding his visit, Trump will meet with Starmer on Thursday at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK prime minister.